The Thomas Adams Equestrian Team recently competed at the NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) Championships at Addington Equestrian, Buckinghamshire.
Holly Shore on Panda, Evie Beckinsale on Molly and Siena Dove on Prancer.
When we left Shropshire, Storm Babet was leaving a trail of destruction across the county but ponies, parents and pupils got up very early (4am) and made the 3-hour plus trek down south. The first class was the 70-75cm Pumpkin class consisting of a mixture of show jumps and rustic fences in the outside Manor International Arena. With the weather holding and the atmosphere heating up all three riders rode strongly and got round with Siena going clear and finishing a very respectable 22nd out of 80 competitors.
Then it was onto the Show Jumping Championship class in the outside Babloubet Arena. With over 200 competitors and 30 teams the course was up to height, technical, with ‘dog legs’, a double and a very twisty jump off course – it needing riding! The team warmed up in a very busy arena but all riders and ponies had a quick jump to get going and then they were in! Holly went first on Panda who was steady and careful, then Evie rode a super round, guiding a very excited and big jumping Molly to a clear. Finally, Siena on Prancer who from the first jump meant business, they flew round clear in a fast time.
All the girls rode brilliantly but sadly we were just out of the rosettes. It was a wonderful experience for team ‘Trot-along’ and an excellent starting point for next year’s Championship campaign.
Thank you to the parents, grandparents (and ponies) for supporting your child and driving hours in the rain. Onwards and upwards!
The Thomas Adams Equestrian Team
